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katykelly's review against another edition
2.0
Dark dystopia, target market may find themselves confused.
2.5 stars.
By 'confused' I mean that readers may wonder if they are in fact reading Walliams, as well as being a little confused as the story progresses. There is nothing amiss about a writer branching out, sampling new genres and moving outside their comfort zone (comedic writing is clearly a genre Walliams can write almost in his sleep).
But my nearly 9-year-old listened along with me and his assessment was roughly similar to mine upon finishing. He just didn't enjoy it all that much. He found it dark and depressing (though there is nothing wrong with this is general), and I'm not sure he followed it completely, whereas usually he is a very close listener.
Set 100 years in the future in a country where most have very little and the Royals are locked away in Buckingham Palace, sickly Prince Alfie finds himself having to step up when his mother, the Queen is taken off to the Tower of London, deemed a Rebel.
There were a few too many elements conflicting for me - a bit of a Secret Garden vibe with the sickly Alfie and another character, the dystopia (actually, very well created, but an incredibly dark world for a typical Walliams reader to be thrust into!!), and the sci-fi element of a 'beast', a griffin, in Buckingham Palace. All with the sinister machinations of a 'power behind the throne' character running the show - and some twists that children will be shocked at and possibly upset by.
As an adult, I didn't particularly enjoy this, but listening as someone who needs to be aware of children's tastes and trends, I can't see this making waves as Walliams' comic efforts have done. While Alfie of course becomes a braver hero than he starts out as, it's a genre (or mix of) that is better suited to the adolescent who can deal with the more mature themes more comfortably. There is a lot here that will puzzle and put off.
I suppose we had a taste of this in The Ice Monster, with a Victorian orphan character, but there is no outright lift of an end, and I don't think I laughed or smiled whilst listening. I did like the cast of actors brought in to voice the characters, not leaving Walliams to take on each role (he narrates). And yes, Raj makes a guest appearance though within the plot, it wasn't as much fun to 'spot' him as it usually is.
I didn't like the Audible version very much, the music used as bookends to chapters was annoying, a little 80s computer-sounding, and I think I'd have preferred to read an illustrated paper copy. I did find myself tuning out a few times, which I try very hard not to do.
While I applaud an author for broadening their range, I just didn't really like this one. While I could read Billionaire Boy or Boy in the Dress again and again, this one isn't likely to be repeated on our school runs.
I'm sure the usual age group are going to be reading this in their droves, but I would recommend an older age range of 10-13 to this title. With warnings of sad/violent scenes and dark/disturbing themes to parents.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
2.5 stars.
By 'confused' I mean that readers may wonder if they are in fact reading Walliams, as well as being a little confused as the story progresses. There is nothing amiss about a writer branching out, sampling new genres and moving outside their comfort zone (comedic writing is clearly a genre Walliams can write almost in his sleep).
But my nearly 9-year-old listened along with me and his assessment was roughly similar to mine upon finishing. He just didn't enjoy it all that much. He found it dark and depressing (though there is nothing wrong with this is general), and I'm not sure he followed it completely, whereas usually he is a very close listener.
Set 100 years in the future in a country where most have very little and the Royals are locked away in Buckingham Palace, sickly Prince Alfie finds himself having to step up when his mother, the Queen is taken off to the Tower of London, deemed a Rebel.
There were a few too many elements conflicting for me - a bit of a Secret Garden vibe with the sickly Alfie and another character, the dystopia (actually, very well created, but an incredibly dark world for a typical Walliams reader to be thrust into!!), and the sci-fi element of a 'beast', a griffin, in Buckingham Palace. All with the sinister machinations of a 'power behind the throne' character running the show - and some twists that children will be shocked at and possibly upset by.
As an adult, I didn't particularly enjoy this, but listening as someone who needs to be aware of children's tastes and trends, I can't see this making waves as Walliams' comic efforts have done. While Alfie of course becomes a braver hero than he starts out as, it's a genre (or mix of) that is better suited to the adolescent who can deal with the more mature themes more comfortably. There is a lot here that will puzzle and put off.
I suppose we had a taste of this in The Ice Monster, with a Victorian orphan character, but there is no outright lift of an end, and I don't think I laughed or smiled whilst listening. I did like the cast of actors brought in to voice the characters, not leaving Walliams to take on each role (he narrates). And yes, Raj makes a guest appearance though within the plot, it wasn't as much fun to 'spot' him as it usually is.
I didn't like the Audible version very much, the music used as bookends to chapters was annoying, a little 80s computer-sounding, and I think I'd have preferred to read an illustrated paper copy. I did find myself tuning out a few times, which I try very hard not to do.
While I applaud an author for broadening their range, I just didn't really like this one. While I could read Billionaire Boy or Boy in the Dress again and again, this one isn't likely to be repeated on our school runs.
I'm sure the usual age group are going to be reading this in their droves, but I would recommend an older age range of 10-13 to this title. With warnings of sad/violent scenes and dark/disturbing themes to parents.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
lostingothicmusic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
The style of writing was so irritating it nearly made us not finish the book. Plus it was very dark for a children's book - not suitable for bedtime reading. 10+, but writing style was aimed younger, which gives a confusing target audience!
real_mother_booker's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
farmer_annie's review against another edition
1.0
*contains spoilers*
This was a violent and creepy book with antiquated gender roles and ended up being about a suicide bomber who blew up a dictator.
And the jokes weren't very good!
This was a violent and creepy book with antiquated gender roles and ended up being about a suicide bomber who blew up a dictator.
And the jokes weren't very good!
ethan2210's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
itsdanewrightt's review against another edition
2.0
very disappointing in comparison to his other books.
I have been reading David Walliams books since I was in school, and I have loved every one of them, except this one. I’m not sure why, I can’t put my finger on it, but it just did not feel like the rest of his books. Normally I can finish his books in a few hours, but this took me a few days.
I hope this is a one off, because i need to catch up
On a few of his other books.
I have been reading David Walliams books since I was in school, and I have loved every one of them, except this one. I’m not sure why, I can’t put my finger on it, but it just did not feel like the rest of his books. Normally I can finish his books in a few hours, but this took me a few days.
I hope this is a one off, because i need to catch up
On a few of his other books.
mariethelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun and exciting story! Original and full of action and adventure. Also a touch of important topics in the background.
iron_bunny's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Not really for children, more for young adults-teens because of the amount of violence and torture related topics. And I know it's not some high literature, but the amount of plot holes is so high. Just because it's for kids doesn't mean it can be sloppily written. It's both too short and too long, it has weird pacing and story progression, some details of the story are expanded upon but some are glossed over. The art is gorgeous though.
chantal_s's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
1.0
I know I dont fall in the intended age category but to be fair I'm not sure who does. This was too easily written to be anything but a children's book but the story was waaayyy too dark to be considered for kids.